He be awright. He don’t own this!

It was one of those recent beautiful autumn days when you enjoyed having the car window down.  We were sitting at a traffic light in the lane designated to go straight or turn left.  There was a car next to us in the lane designated to turn right with two young ladies who also were enjoying the weather with their car windows down.  We smiled at one another as we waited for the light to turn green.  At once one of those oversized pickup trucks pulled up behind her car.  You know the type; they drive right up to your rear bumper and look down at your car letting you know they could devour you for a light snack.  He immediately began honking the horn.  He obviously wanted her to turn right on the red light so he could move on and intimidate other drivers.  She was not comfortable with doing as he wished.  She looked at us, raised her eyebrows and cocked her head backwards toward the bully with the loud horn and big truck, saying; “He be awright.  He don’t own this!” as she nodded her head and pointed to herself.   I loved it and gave her a thumb’s up with a big smile. When the light changed and she felt comfortable and safe she made her right-hand turn and we all moved on.  However, that moment stayed with me.

I have often pondered on how much we allow our lives to be affected and intimidated by the expectations of others.  This young lady eloquently stated she was not concerned about being bullied into doing something uncomfortable.  She was comfortable owning and living up to her expectations rather than those of the stranger behind her seeking to force her to do something she was clearly not at ease doing.   The driver of the truck would indeed be alright waiting his turn for the light to change. 

Our life is too precious and brief to be spent seeking to please or live up to the expectations of others.  We are each unique individuals.  The Psalmist tells us that we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14.)  We each have our unique and individual personality, set of gifts, thoughts and pathway to life a fulfilling life.   There is no one quite like you.  There has never been anyone quite like you.  You have your own pathway to pursue and offer this world.  Our life is best lived following the direction and leadership of our creator rather than the well-intentioned or bullying expectations of others whether they are family, friends or strangers.  As we live following the direction and leadership of our creator we will also make the best contribution to the world and those around us. 

A little over forty years ago I received wonderful advice from a spiritual mentor during my public ordination service to the ministry.  I sat on the front row of the church as Rev. Harry Morotto preached a ‘charge to the church’ that was ordaining me into the ministry.  His message explained the seriousness and responsibilities of publicly setting aside a young man to be recognized as a minister.  That message was followed by ‘charge to the candidate’.  This was a sermon directed exclusively to me.  I sat on the front row while the congregation watched and listened to Rev. Paul Davis, the Director of Missions for the Sedgwick County Baptist Association; as he delivered a strong message directed to me.  I still remember the moment and the symbolism. 

Rev. Davis was a tall distinguished man well known and respected for his lengthy career in ministry.  He looked down on me as he spoke from the platform and pulpit that was already several feet above the floor.  I sat on the front pew looking up at him, which I would have done even if we stood at the same level.  He was 6’3” and I am 5’7” on my best day.  He had a thick headful of gray hair and was well seasoned in life and ministry.  I had a thick headful of blonde hair and was still green and inexperienced in ministry and much of life.  So in that setting, as I was beginning my career in ministry, he gave me wise counsel on the responsibilities of life as a public minister.  There was one moment that is burned in my memory.  He uttered the following sentence; “Please God first and yourself second.”  He then paused to let those words sink in.  That is some of the best advice one could receive no matter what career or pathway in life is pursued. 

If God is pleased with me then I should be pleased with myself as well.  If God is pleased with me it means that I am acting in a way of kindness and compassion as I ‘love God with all my heart and love my neighbor as I love myself’ (Matthew 22:36-40).  If I am living my life pleasing God and I am also pleased with such a pathway, it really should not matter what others think or expect of me.  People have many different expectations for their pastor, child, sibling, friend, boss, employee, co-worker, etc.  One can drive themselves crazy trying to please and meet the various expectations of others.  We are best served, and serve others best by following God’s expectations.  After all He is the only one to whom we will be finally and eternally accountable. 

King Solomon, who was known for his gift of wisdom, searched all the ways one could experience life and concluded Ecclesiastes 12:13-14  with this: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.  For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”   In other words it doesn’t matter what you do or think the only thing that matters in the end is God’s judgement on the way you lived. 

So never worry about the expectations or opinions of others.  In the words of another wise man, Theodor Seuss "Ted" Geisel better known by most as Dr. Seuss: “Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.”

Love Thy Neighbor

Years ago I remember reading a column by a news correspondent that began; “It was a tense and tumultuous day in the Middle East…which is to say it was a normal day in the Middle East”  One could say that about the current situation in the US today.  We seem to be explosively divided over many political and social issues.  We are struggling with racial and political unrest as well as a global pandemic like few have seen in our lifetime.  These are truly difficult days but they may not be that abnormal.  I am not Buddhist but I understand and somewhat agree with two of their Four Noble Truths:  The First Truth is that life consists of suffering, pain, and misery. The Second Truth is that this suffering is caused by selfish craving and personal desire.   Much of life does seem to consist of suffering, pain and misery (sounds a lot like me waking and trying to get my 68 year old body out of bed).  Our selfish cravings and personal desires have led us to be in the midst of some interesting, painful and confusing times for many. 

Four years ago I received a call from a former church member who said, “Pastor, you have given me wise counsel over the years from the pulpit and in personal discussions.  You always taught us to follow the direction of the scriptures but I am having trouble finding scriptural guidance and I need your guidance on how to vote.”  While I was flattered that my counsel was still considered worthy I was also taken aback.  I had never publically approached any political opinion as a minister.  I always considered my job to promote Jesus and his love and stay away from politics.  I never backed away from a moral directive that had a Biblical basis but I never wanted anyone to know what my political leanings or opinions were.  Heck, I didn’t even want them to know what sports teams I followed.  I did not want anything to take away from my presentation of the Gospel. 

I thanked the friend for their trust in my counsel and told him that I could not tell him how to vote except to follow his understanding of God’s guidance and his own moral convictions in making his choices.  The Bible does not give specifics on these matters. The Apostle Paul gave the following advice; “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—or kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).  So we are to pray for them that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.  I personally always liked the advice of my barber in Louisiana (which is famous for wild politics).  He told me that his grandfather advised him to; “Always vote the incumbents out!” 

Putting politics aside, in all my years I have sought the most Biblical and peaceful direction in life.  When you are always the shortest guy in the room it is easy to be one who seeks the pathway of less conflict.  However, Jesus also told us the peacemakers will be blessed and “called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).  Therefore, I have always sought to make peace with my fellowman.  My mother was a peacemaker and I guess I inherited those genes from her.  Thank you Mom!

I have also been influenced by my upbringing as a child of the 60’s growing up in Mississippi in the middle of the violent civil rights movement.  I was just 3 days shy of my 12^th birthday when Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner were murdered by a group of civic leaders and law enforcement officers.  Their crime was seeking to help black people have the right to vote.  This happened 81 miles from my home.  I was forever impacted by these events.  In fact, I began this occasional blog on August 9, 2008 with an article entitled Labels are Best on Soup Cans referencing this evil event. 

One of the advantages of being old is that you have lived through many crisis situations and realize that while the days may seem gloomy and dark, we have always survived.  When I was in my pre-teen years there was murderous racial strife, riots, assassinations of a president, political and civic leaders along with a war that was deemed unwinnable and unjustified.  However, some 50 years later we are still here.   

In my 40 years of ministry I have served as a Pastor and Director of Missions (where duties consisted of being a pastor to pastors, a mission’s leader, and church conflict mediator among other duties) and I have learned much.  I have had the privilege of meeting and becoming lifelong friends with some of the sweetest saints that one would wish to encounter in life.  I have been blessed to travel and share God’s love to 5 of the 7 continents.  I don’t know if I will ever make it to Australia (even though I speak the language, 'Mate') or Antarctica.   I have also met some of the meanest and hardhearted people who are in church every Sunday and have even acquired positions of leadership.  Surprisingly to many, my greatest spiritual experience in worship occurred in the chapel of the toughest maximum security prison in the state and not a church. 

I have discovered that there are loving people in and out of the traditional church.  I have also learned that there are mean and evil people everywhere.  Some are in political office and some are in church and even in pulpits.  Remember I am a child of the 60’s where segregation was preached from some pulpits in Mississippi.   

So, without rambling on too much more, where does this lead?  In all these years of study, ministry and travel I have learned that it doesn’t really matter if one is a Democrat, Republican, Socialist, Communist, Liberal, Conservative, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, or whatever; the best theology, philosophy or way to seek the best life each day is to simply “love your neighbor as yourself.”  If we will give our fellowman the same status in life as we think we deserve and treat them as we seek to be treated the whole world will see more harmony and peace. 

We are all neighbors on this planet with a wide diversity of people.  God seemed to enjoy different people because he made a lot of them.  We have different backgrounds, beliefs, skin color, cultures and experiences.  These should never divide us but they should be used to bring us together and enjoy growing and understanding the vastness of whom we are and who we can be when we are in harmony with one another. Life is better when we love one another! Trust me, I am a Doctor! 

“Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht”

“Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht” is an old Yiddish adage meaning, “Man Plans, and God Laughs.” Despite our most careful planning, the Road of Life is unpredictable.  If we have learned anything from this year of COVID-19 we have certainly learned the truth of this ancient proverb.  This was to be the year of celebrating our 40^th wedding anniversary with a Rhine River Cruise.  When we booked and paid for the special trip at the beginning of the year no one in our country had heard of CORONA or COVID-19.  Heck, I had never even heard of the previous 18 COVIDS!  I guess they never got out of hand until number 19 came along.  Now we have to do our best to stay married to try again next year. 

In all seriousness, there have been far more serious changes to plans due to the deadly virus than our trip.  People have lost loved ones, health, jobs, etc.  We do not know how the world will be on the other side of COVID but we know it will not be the same.  There will be permanent scars. 

Proverbs 19:21 says; “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.”  I do not believe that God necessarily has a purpose in disease or disaster.  I have long studied and proclaimed that we live in a “sin-scarred” world where bad things happen sometimes for no rhyme or reason other than we live in a fallen world.  The earliest teaching of the Bible declares that deciding to do ‘what we choose’ instead of obeying ‘what God said’ brings disastrous consequences.   Before man’s disobedience there was no recorded sickness, storms, death, destruction or even a heat wave.  So, over the years when I have been with families dealing with tragic sickness, tragedy or death, I have never said; “You know God has a purpose in this!” That is not what Proverbs 19:21 says.  It tells us that God’s purpose prevails no matter what our thoughts, plans or actions may be.  So, what is God’s purpose when things do not go as we planned? 

I will explain and finish this thought in a few moments.  But first let me set the stage.  We do live in an imperfect world and we all have our flaws and shortcomings.  I recently told my wife that anything made by man will eventually break or malfunction.  Who knows what we were talking about?  I was probably making another excuse for something I broke but anyway…the point is that even when we try our best things probably will not work out as we planned. 

I confess that early in my ministry I would be planning a sermon and the thought would pop into my head that this is exactly what a certain person needs to hear.  Inevitably that particular person would be absent that following Sunday.  So, much for my plan!  I also have memories of working all week to have a message that would come to a great climax to make the critical point.  As I would get to that crucial place in the sermon either a baby would begin crying or someone would begin coughing loudly.  Now everyone would be watching the baby or the coughing victim.  Again, so much for my plan!  

Over the years I have participated and led many overseas mission trips.  I would always give an orientation as many participants had never been overseas.  I told them to memorize two words that would become helpful at some point; “BE FLEXIBLE”!  I learned that no matter how well I planned something unexpected would always happen and being OCD, I planned excessively.  My largest group was a team of 53 volunteers going to Romania.  We had people from 24 churches over different parts of the state.  The plan had team members flying from 5 different regional airports to Atlanta where we would all meet at the gate for our flight to Romania on the same plane.  I had many trips under my belt and was not worried about the logistics…until I was ready to board my flight for Atlanta.  I was informed that weather had delayed several flights in other cities.  We wound up scattered on several flights over the Atlantic Ocean.  When I landed in Europe, as I was rushing to the desk to find out where and when the rest of the team would arrive I was repeating my mantra…BE FLEXIBLE…BE FLEXIBE.  I did manage to get all 53 people together for our mission work in Romania and safely home but not as I planned. 

While it is good and practical to make plans, we need to be aware that God may indeed be smiling as He sees the big curveball that is heading our way.  Again, I do not believe that God may have always thrown the curveball.  As stated previously, we live in a world of uncertainty and chaos that is primarily due to our own limited wisdom and poor decisions as a human race explained in Genesis 3.  While God may not always cause the disruption in our plans He may let it happen.  Now back to Proverbs 19:21, no matter how many and how diverse our plans may be God has a purpose that will prevail.  

I think often of the Apostle Paul.  Paul was following God’s leadership preaching and wound up in jail.  The normal response might be, “This is the thanks I get! Why try?”  However Paul changed his thinking.  This was not what I planned but how can God’s purpose prevail here?  He no longer had to worry about gathering an audience.  He now had a ‘captive’ audience with the guards as he explained in Philippians 1:12-30.  When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.  Rather than becoming discouraged, disappointed or frustrated when our plans are not working look for God’s purpose in the day or the moment.  He always wants us to practice patience, kindness and love no matter how our plans have blown up or what the situation may be.  That may sound simplistic but that is always His purpose.  When we seek to have the most loving response no matter what happens His purpose will always prevail and we will find His joy.    

Are We In The Last Days?

Interpreting the signs of the end times can be tricky, depending on who you listen to and the many different interpretations of scriptures.  Since the ascension of Jesus well-meaning Christians have looked at various events considered as signs in their times and had diverse interpretations to predict the coming of the end times and have always been wrong.  How do I know they were all wrong?  Well, Jesus has not come again yet and we are still here aren’t we?  People in the days of the Apostle Paul thought the signs had been fulfilled in their day.  Some stopped working thinking the end was about to happen at any moment.  “If the end of the world is coming tomorrow, why go to work?”  He addressed some of that in his letters to the Thessalonians.

Numerous sincere believers thought World War 1 was Armageddon and Kaiser Wilhelm was the Antichrist.  When the war ended and Jesus did not return many lost faith.  When Nixon was dealing with foreign policy that some believers did not approve people started looking at signs of the end times.  There was even a formula concocted by some using numbers to substitute for letters of the alphabet (example A=1, B=2, C=3, etc.) to determine that the Antichrist was the Secretary of State in the Nixon administration.  The total numerical value of Henry Kissinger’s name added up to 666. Oohhh!!!

Then along came Operation Desert Storm, the war in Iraq and many sought to make that fit into their understanding of fulfilled Biblical prophecy.  All of this is to say that depending on one’s interpretation the signs have been fulfilled in every generation.  However we must remember that Jesus did not give us signs to be used for predicting the time of his second coming.  They were simply given as messages to give hope in times of persecution and difficulty to encourage believers to remain faithful. 

The book of Revelation was an uninterrupted drama that was meant to be read aloud in one sitting to gain the full effect of the story.  It was not intended to be chopped up and dissected to be used to make prophecy charts and prediction of the fulfillment of particular signs.  If one were to stop a classic movie every few moments and make charts and debate or discuss every detail of the previous scene one would probably miss the drama and full meaning of the story.  It is filled with symbolism that was not to be taken as much literally but to tell a colorful story conveying a message to believers not to be discouraged no matter how difficult things become in the world at a given time, those who remain faithful will be saved in the end.   Not looking at the story in its entirety can give the wrong message.  For instance if one were to view a few isolated scenes from ‘Gone With The Wind’ out of context of the whole movie one could get the idea that Rhett and Scarlett were the ideal couple.  That is certainly not the case when one views the entire movie.  I have long had a mental picture of those who use scriptures to form charts and graphs so they can ‘know’ and ‘properly interpret the signs of the times’ being shocked when Jesus shows up…not on their timetable but His and they are stunned saying, “This can’t be right.  I still have two squares unchecked on my chart!” 

One of the best places I could refer concerning interpreting such signs is Matthew 24 where Jesus addressed the disciples’ questions about the end times.  Jesus clearly says that no one knows when the end will come in verse 36; “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Verses 42-46 give a good summary of the way Jesus wanted us to look and live in preparation for that day; “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.  But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.”

I have a personal theory (more for fun more than theology) that Jesus will return on the third day after His ascension.  He was in the tomb three days and was resurrected so I think it would be great symmetry to return for His second coming on the third day after his ascension into Heaven.  Wait, that was some 2000 years ago…we are way past the third day!!!  Hey, don’t forget that, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (Psalm 90:4 & 2 Peter 3:8)  So according to that timetable, Jesus has only been away a couple of days and perhaps will return in another day…sometime around the year 3000.  So, hang in there!

Seriously, in my humble opinion, there have always been troubling times in history and there have always been those who seek to make the events of the time fit their agenda or theology. However, I believe it is best not to worry about such matters, as Jesus said, but to be faithful each day because we do not know when The End Times (or our end time) will come.  So live each day to the fullest honoring God and sharing His love to those around you and I think it will all work out OK for you whenever the end comes.  

Strength, Humility and Hope

From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence.  It is an unusual time in our country, which is to say that it is actually a typical time in our country.  If one examines the history one quickly sees that we have had times of terrible disease before, times of extreme division (even to the point of a bloody Civil War), times of racial discrimination and injustice (experienced by Native Americans, as well as those who came here from different lands with different ethnic and religious backgrounds such as; Asian, Irish, Jewish, Polish, German, African, Catholics, Muslims, etc.), and we have seen times of political turmoil and hatred before even to the point of the assassination  of some of our leaders.

We have also seen times of great prosperity, hope and heroism.  We have come together to defeat the end ‘The War to end all Wars’ (How little did we know what was to come in the near future).  When the evil of the next world war reared its destructive head we rallied again to defeat Nazism and destructive Japanese imperialism (we also gave up on the idea of a ‘War to end all Wars’ and just gave that one a number calling it the second one).  We have seen our country lead the world in many charitable and humanitarian causes. 

We are indeed not perfect. We are and have been since our beginning in an up and down cycle of good, great, bad and horrible times; sometimes it seems all in the same brief period.  An up and down ride on a roller coaster may be worth waiting in line to enjoy but as a way of life it can become quite unsettling without a proper perspective.

In a few months we will have a presidential election. There is no other country on the planet now or in history that exhibits the civil transfer of power as does the United States of America. No matter how one votes, this is and should always be a time of great celebration of our freedom and unique strength as a nation. I hope every president finds a special and significant place in the White House.  I once read that there is an unpainted section of the White House on the Truman Balcony. It is exposed charred wood that was burned when the White House was occupied by the British and burned during The War of 1812. History can be quite interesting. This section was left exposed and unpainted as a reminder of that occupation for three reasons that we should always remember as a nation and as children of God.

As is often indicated in the Old Testament and in our lives today, we are people of a short memory. We frequently need historical reminders of God’s grace and providence in our Spiritual lives as well as in the life of our nation. As we acknowledge another significant time in the life of our nation I thought it would be appropriate to remember the three reasons for the exposed charred wood on the Truman balcony.

First, it is a reminder of STRENGTH. The United States of America was strong enough to be established as a free nation where people could live and worship freely. We had the strength, as a fledgling group of colonies, to declare our independence from the British Empire, one of the greatest powers in the world, and defeat that great military power to win our declared freedom.  This freedom gave us the strength to come back from the British invading, taking and burning the capital on August 24, 1812. We were strong enough to resist the British once again, regain the White House and rebuild it.  The White House remains a symbol of strength today. We must never forget that strength comes from freedom.

Second, the section of charred wood is a reminder of HUMILITY. We must always remember that we can fall. We must never take our sovereignty or strength for granted.  Pride can always lead to a fall.  Humility comes from a Greek word describing a stallion that is under the control of the bridal.  Humility is not weakness but strength under control.  Strength without humility leads to arrogance and recklessness which is almost always destructive.  We have previously had foreigners invade and burn our capital. We must never become too proud to think that we are above failure and annihilation from outside forces or from division within.

Finally, there is always HOPE. No matter how dark the days may seem there is always hope when men seek freedom.  That is the American dream.  Even when the President of the United States of America had to flee and run for his life as the White House was invaded by a foreign power and burned there was hope for the future.  All was not lost.  The White House was regained and rebuilt.  The country became stronger as a result.  We must always have hope.

As a follower of Jesus I find eternal STRENGTH in Him as I can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13), I seek to follow His eternal example of HUMILITY (Philippians 2:1-12) and I find my HOPE for eternity through faith in Him (John 14:1-6).  As we celebrate this 244^th anniversary of the birth of American independence I ask that you will join me in praying that our elected leaders will find and follow that same trinity of Strength, Humility and Hope.

68

It was an early morning in West Point, MS on June 24, 1952 when we met.  I met her first and him a little later.  In those days expectant fathers had to wait in a separate room.   A nurse came in and told him he had a son and both mother and child were well.  It was 68 years ago so I don’t really remember my first impression of Jack and Dot Drees but I will always remember the lasting impression they had, and still have on my life.  Both have been physically absent from this world for many years now.  He has been gone for 10 years and she left us far too early 23 years ago.  She was 68.  Today is my 68^th birthday. 

This is all significant to me for several reasons.  First it’s my continual reminder that life is precious, fragile, fleeting and uncertain.  Mom was in great health.  To my knowledge she was only a hospital patient twice in her life; first on that June morning in 1952 when we met 68 years ago and then two years later when she and my sister met for the first time.  On June 14, 1997 she and dad were winding down a fun Saturday with family and friends.  It was the day before Father’s Day.  Before going to bed she came to dad as he was in his recliner flipping channels on the TV remote control.  Men often finish the day in the recliner flipping through the channels before turning the TV off and going to bed.  Men don’t watch one channel as much as they want to know what else is on.  Anyway, mom came to him and said, “I am going to give your Father’s Day card and gift a little early”.  As he was looking at the card she said, “I have a sharp pain in my head”.  She slumped in her recliner and those were her last words.  A massive cerebral aneurysm changed everything for our family that night. 

I think about that night often.  I especially thought about it when I was told I had three aneurysms just before my 49^th birthday.  Thanks to some divine intervention, two lifesaving major surgeries from a great surgeon and his team I am here for birthday number 68.  If interested a more detailed story of that event is in the blog archives for 2011 entitled ‘Ten Years Later’.  Back to today; now that I am the same age as mom was when she died and having experienced survival from aneurysms I am thoughtful and thankful for the things I learned from her life and death. 

From her death, as mentioned previously, I learned that life is precious, fragile, fleeting and uncertain.  None of us know what the next moment will bring or how long we will live.  Therefore I am continually encouraged to follow the advice from John 10:10 to ‘live abundantly’ and make the most of each moment.  Life is too short to hold on to anger, hurt feelings, fear, worry, anxiety and destructive thoughts or behavior.  Let go of all that is negative or destructive and celebrate each moment.  Cherish each moment with family and friends while you can.  I miss mother because she was such fun to be with but I’m glad for each moment we had and happy that when we parted we were on great terms. 

From her life, I learned the importance of being a peacemaker.  Mom was the peacemaker of our family.  I have cherished memories of growing up in a harmonious family.   I have often said that I am blessed with memories of growing up in the happiest family I knew.  I have no memories of mom and dad arguing.  I am certain that happened but I don’t remember any major disagreements in front of my sister and me.  While I have memories of joking, laugher and having fun growing up there were the typical minor disagreements either between brother and sister or parents with teenage children.  So there was, as in every family and group in society, a need for a peacemaker.  In our family that was mom.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9).  The dictionary defines a peacemaker as, “a person who helps others solve a conflict and reach a peaceful solution”.  One doesn’t have to look very far today to see the need for more peacemakers.  Jesus describes this is the character trait of “a child of God”.  True children of God pursue harmony and peace as they seek to lead others to the same type of reconciled life. 

These two things I learned from mother’s life and death actually go hand in hand.  When we remember that life is precious, fragile, fleeting and uncertain we will try to make the most of each day and seek to be at peace with God and our fellowman.   We cannot truly live abundantly if we are not in harmony with God and our fellowman.  1 John 1:9 tells us that if we confess our misdeeds to God, He will forgive and cleanse us from all wrongdoing.  It is simple really, if you have wronged God, confess it to Him and receive his grace.  If you have wronged someone, confess your mistake(s) and seek a peaceful reconciliation ASAP.  If someone had wronged you, forgive them ASAP.  It’s not rocket science!

Mother didn’t get to attend college.  She rarely traveled more than a few hundred miles from home and never visited another country.  She never wrote a book, a song or was a political leader.  However, she was known to bring laughter, joy, and peace wherever she went.  When she died over 500 people came to express what she meant to them.  She is still remembered with a smile by all that knew her.  So, as I enter my 68^th year, which was her last year, I plan to make the most of each day living abundantly in peace, joy and harmony.  Why not join with me?

Hold On To All That Is Good

We live in very confusing times and it seems to be getting worse rather than better.  I have to admit that am becoming more skeptical of everything every day.  I have stopped watching the news.  I once thought it was important to stay informed but now it seems as if each network or program has a very different version or presentation of what is going on in the world.  Each one appears to try to make things more alarming to keep viewers tuned in to their program or I get the impression that they are simply seeking to sway viewers to their agenda or point of view.  I remember growing up listening to Walter Cronkite to find out what was happening in the world.  He was a liberal Democrat who went sailing with the Kennedys but one never could discern that from his broadcast.  You could trust a more objective presentation of the day’s important events as he concluded with, “And that’s the way it is”.

I don’t even trust the weather forecast anymore.   When they predict storms I think, “it may rain…or maybe not.”  I go back to my dad’s ‘rope method’ of discerning the weather.  You hang a rope out the window and when you pull it in you can know the weather.  If the rope is wet…rain.  If the rope is warm or cold, so is the weather outside.  If it is white…snow!  I know, I know…but it was his sense of humor. 

I remember watching a forgettable movie but was captivated by the following dialogue between a college professor, Coleman, and his friend, Nathan, who was a burned out author isolating himself in a cabin in the woods after becoming disillusioned with everything; NATHAN: “What's the moment called in Greek tragedy, you know, the one where the hero learns that everything he knows is wrong?” COLEMAN: “Peripeteia.”  NATHAN: “That's me. I've come to the woods to lick my wounds.”

PERIPETEIA (Also spelled peripetea is the Greek term for "sudden change") is the sudden reversal of fortune in a story, play, or any narrative in which there is an observable change in direction. In tragedy, this is often a change from stability and happiness toward the destruction or downfall of the protagonist.  I have to admit that the scene stuck with me as I often find myself questioning everything I know and things I have learned in the past.  Perhaps I was too innocent and naïve in the past or else the world around me seemed to have been less volatile and more understandable.  Now almost everything seems to be questionable, unclear or ambiguous.  How can you know who or what to trust?

I have heard famous and eloquent preachers say things that sound convincing but I have also had enough training in that area to know that what was just proclaimed was not necessarily scriptural truth.  As happens with many news programs sometimes preachers also can become more interested in advancing their program, ego, and agenda than proclaiming the unvarnished truth.   Whether it is a famous newscaster, preacher or even your local meteorologist, it is hard to know who to trust.  (you can’t say weatherman anymore without being considered sexist but that is another discussion for another day).  So, again, the question how can you know who or what to trust?  It is the age old question asked by Pilate 2000 years ago as he faced Jesus; “What is truth?” (John 18:38)

Don’t fret, I think it is good to question and not be too easy to trust anyone and everything.  Scripture tells us to “examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).  When I was a pastor I told my listeners to be careful with everything they hear.  Just because it sounds good and seems to be coming from a reliable source, it is still wise to question and examine everything carefully for yourself.  I offered the following; “If you hear something from me that sounds questionable.  Search it out and research it for yourself.  If you find out that I am wrong call me up and we will go to lunch.  Show me my mistake and I’ll pick up the check!”  I was, and still am, interested in the truth…even if it changes what I always thought or believed.  I have always been wary of anyone who is not open to a challenge to their thoughts or opinion.  I prefer being open minded, always ready to learn new things rather than the stubborn closed minded thinking such as; “Don’t bother me with the facts.  I have my mind made up!”

Be a very careful listener to everything.  Notice the subtle ways that ‘truth, facts and ideas’ may be presented and don’t be afraid to have some healthy skepticism.  I have noticed a term that has become popular but I consider dangerous as people now want to tell “my truth” or “their truth”.  Truth is not possessed or owned by any individual.  I know what they are really presenting is their version of the truth but phrasing it in such a way grabs my attention because once someone becomes fixed in ‘their truth’ they are no longer open to the actual truth, which may oppose or differ from ‘their truth’. 

A younger pastor in a small rural church asked me to come and help with a controversial issue in his church.  I told them we were going to look at the teaching in its original language, cultural and historical context and discern the truth that it is conveying to us today.  Immediately a lady on the front row closed her Bible and crossed her arms showing a scowl and body language revealing, “I am closed off to anything you are saying.”  After presenting and explaining the actual meaning of the verses I gave time to reflect.  In a few minutes an older gentleman who had grown up in the church leaned forward and said, “You mean we may have had it preached to us wrong all these years?”  I smiled and welcomed his openness to seeking truth and said, “Maybe so.”  That same Bible the lady with the scowl closed tells us to “examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

We live in confusing times indeed.  Be careful with everything you hear and see.  It is good to have healthy skepticism and do your own homework before accepting anything as factual.  No matter what “you always heard” or “always believed” or where it comes from, don’t hold on to anything that is not helpful, harmonious or good.  

On Top of the World

It was May 28, 1970.  I sat with about 340 young men and women in metal chairs on the gym floor looking at our teachers on the platform and parents in the stands as we shouted triumphantly; “We’re The Best at S.D. Lee, The Mighty Class of 70!”  We were seniors, graduating from high school and we thought we were ON TOP OF THE WORLD!  We didn’t know what the future held but I will never forget that feeling of exhilaration knowing that I had made it!  I remember driving around town later just smiling and waving at everyone I saw.  One of the joys of growing up in a small town is that you know most of the people you see.  I had a huge grin that screamed; “I am a senior and I am ON TOP OF THE WORLD!”

50 years later I have arrived at the place Mark Twain supposedly described (when in doubt you can always credit Mark Twain with any quote) as ‘remembering things that never happened’.  For my 40^th reunion, we were asked to submit high school memories for a booklet.  I wrote; “I remember being 6’ 4” and being elected Most Handsome, Wittiest, Most Likely to Succeed, Captain of the Football & Basketball team, Valedictorian and Mr. Lee High.  However, I have taken a lot of prescription medication and consumed a number of Diet Dr. Peppers with aspartame over the years so I may have forgotten a thing or two.  Funny, I looked back in the yearbook and they only listed me as Sports Editor.”  It got a laugh but I do have many serious memories that will always be valued.

I remember friends who did not get to celebrate our graduation as their life was cut short.  The first funerals I remember attending were classmates Alan and Bill who died in a tragic car wreck.  I remember Arnold who did not have a car due to his seizure disorder.  He rode a moped to school and we teased him because most of us had never seen a small motorcycle with pedals.  It was no longer funny when he didn’t make it to school one day because he didn’t survive that final major seizure.  There were others I also recall whose lives were shortened not long after graduation.  I will always remember Dobert calling me one Friday afternoon asking if she could ride with me if I was going home from college that weekend.  I told her I was not leaving until Saturday so she decided to drive home in her own car.  The next day when I passed the place on the highway where she was killed in a collision with a carload of students who had too much to drink, the feeling is still difficult to describe.  Ricky and I met on the first day of class in the first grade and remained best friends all through school.  He was probably the most talented and gifted person I have ever known.  He was only 52 when his life ended.  We all have similar memories of friends or family members who left us too soon. 

These memories taught me that life is uncertain, fragile, precious and fleeting.  That lesson is far more important than anything I ever learned in a classroom.  Joe, a good friend and fellow classmate, devised a ‘Roller Coaster’ philosophy of life; “Enjoy the slow climb to the peak because a sudden drop may be waiting.”  Every life truly has a mixture of joy and sorrow.  While there may be times of grief, sorrow and despair there will always be times when we reach a peak and have that feeling of being ON TOP OF THE WORLD!  It may be the time when you walked out of the church for the first time holding hands as husband and wife.  Or it may be the time when you held your new baby.  Whatever the moment may be, every life has moments that we need to savor and remember!

I am constantly amazed at how many people go through life clinging to anger, jealousy, negative memories, thoughts and destructive behavior.  If these years have taught me anything I have learned that life is indeed uncertain.  No matter what age or station of life we may attain our next breath could be our last.  So, why hold on to any negative emotion or action?  If someone has wronged you, forgive them as quickly as possible.  If you have wronged someone, apologize and ask for forgiveness without delay.  Life is too short to hold on to any destructive action, emotion or memory. 

God promised a few things that are certain in life.  He promised that no matter what happens He will never leave or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).  He told me that no matter how I may feel about the way I look or feel (as the shortest boy in class I always wondered what it would be like to be tall), I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).  He also told me that I am precious and honored in His sight, and because He loves me (Isaiah 43:4). 

Now as this member of the ‘Mighty Class of 70’ approaches the age of 70.  I have priceless memories and lessons of life to remind me that every day should be savored.  Every friendship cherished.  Each day I wake (as a senior citizen I now wake before the sun rises) with an early morning exercise ritual.  I do one push-up if I wake on my face and one sit-up if I wake on my back.  Some parts wake slower than others but I treasure the fact that I am awake, alive and here.  Although the day ahead is uncertain and could even be my last, I will make the most of it because God will never leave or forsake me.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  I am precious and honored in His sight and He loves me.  Even though I am 50 years removed from that mountain top experience as a graduating high school senior, I still celebrate the gift of life today as I am a now senior (citizen) and I am ON TOP OF THE WORLD!

Whew, That Was Too Close for Comfort

If Mississippi State University graduating students entered the auditorium according to grades with the highest grades first, I would have closed the door behind me.  Anyone with a lower GPA would not be able to graduate.  I have rarely told this story because it is not the type you put on your resume but it is true and I think there are some redeeming truths that can be learned.  So…

I had fun in college.  I was not a ‘party person’.  In fact, if alcohol was involved I was usually the one who stayed sober and took care of others.  I may have been the first designated driver.  However, there seemed to be endless opportunities for sports, games, pranks, or just stupid freshman college behavior in general.  I didn’t have a clue what I was going to do with my life so I majored in accounting, mainly because some of my friends did and I was told that there were good paying jobs in that field.  However, study was not a priority since I was not highly motivated in accounting as a career and, as stated earlier, I would rather play than study.  I was easy prey for any distraction.  Distractions are numerous for a freshman in college so my grades were nothing to write home about.  And I didn’t know that my mid-term grades would be mailed to my home.  My parents, who were paying for my ‘education’, were not impressed with 4 F’s and a C for my first mid-term report.  After a serious meeting with mom and dad I realized I needed to create a more effective study pattern.  I managed to pull up all the grades to a passing average for the end of the semester, but still went on academic probation because my first GPA was below 2 points.  MSU used the ‘four point system’, meaning anything below a 2 point Grade Point Average would not be a passing grade. 

I continued to hover in academic mediocracy for the next 3 years as there were always opportunities for fun or stupid behavior that had nothing to do with study.  I also was drifting because I didn’t really know what to do with my life so a dedicated academic focus on business classes was difficult.  There was always an underlying sense that God was going to call me into the ministry but I was so spiritually naïve and immature that I thought He would speak to me from a burning bush or a voice from Heaven.  So, until that event I would just rock along and enjoy life.  And I did…until my senior year.  I was able to do enough math to realize that my GPA was insufficient to the point that I needed to make the Dean’s List, which meant at least 3.6/4.0 (average of A- and A for all subjects), to qualify for graduation.

For the first time I really began to study…more than just enough to get by.  It paid off as I checked final grades posted for all subjects and there it was; William Harold Drees had made the Dean’s list and would graduate!  I was so overcome with joy that I went back to my dorm and celebrated by tossing all my books out of the eighth floor window of my dorm room, shouting; “I am never going to have to study again!”  Note to self; NEVER SAY, “NEVER”!

The feeling of joy lasted until a few days from graduation when I received a phone call at home from Dr. Rogers, the dean of the school of business.  I didn’t know much, but I knew that this was not normal so something was up.  My first thought was, “Oh man is this is about me throwing all the books out of the window?”  However, he informed me that there had been a mistake in the calculation of my grades and I was two quality points shy of the necessary number required for graduation.  He was apologetic as he stated that there was not much time to make up for the problem and suggested that I consult any professors where a borderline A minus may be boosted to an A to give me the two more points needed for graduation.  If that were not possible I could take a class in the summer.  That didn’t appeal to me.

I looked at my grades and my best shot with a borderline grade to possibly be boosted was in a class with a hard-nosed professor.  He agreed to meet and we sat in his office as I nervously watched him study my grades for the semester.  He looked up and told me that my grades were not close enough to be improved.  Even if he gave me credit for perfect attendance and took my cumulative test scores and used that for a final exam, which I did not take as an exempted member of the Dean’s list, he still did not have enough credits to give me the better grade.  My hopes sank as he sat silently for a few minutes with a contemplative look.  He then leaned forward, looked me in the eye and said, “In all my years of teaching I have never given any student anything that I thought they did not deserve…however, I am going to give you the higher A you need for graduation.”  I wasn’t that familiar with Psalm 145:8 then but that verse encapsulated my feelings; “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.”  This truth would remain prominent for me in my journey into spiritual maturity. 

The Dean told me that since the change was made so near the graduation ceremony that my diploma may not be printed in time.  He told me not to worry, I would receive the folder that contained the diplomas like all the rest of the students, just be careful looking inside and don’t be surprised if it is empty.  It would be mailed to me later.  However, when my name was called and I walked across the stage Dean Rogers handed me the diploma folder and gave me a wink.  I peeked and saw my diploma!  I made it...but, whew, that was too close.  Learn a lesson Bill!!! 

This experience taught me a great deal about life, work and the grace of God.  I became more dedicated to walking closer with God and was able to hear His voice more clearly, without it coming from the clouds or a burning bush.  I would indeed become a better and more focused student in seminary and in my life to follow.  In addition to Psalm 145:8, I later found much comfort in 2 Corinthians 12:9; “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

God showed me that I could enjoy life but I also needed to work more on the things that required seriousness and discipline.  I came to know a God who is rich in mercy and grace that is powerful in overcoming my weaknesses.  All these years later, God still reminds me of His loving grace and mercy and I believe I can see Him saying; “Remember I am gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.  My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…(then I think I see Him smile, nod, wink and say) but, don’t push your luck!”

  

A Lesson in Trust

40 years ago today, I stood on stage in a very large auditorium wearing a black gown and an unusually flat hat with a tassel hanging in my face waiting for my name to be called.  I walked to the center of the stage and shook hands with the president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He smiled and handed me my Master’s Degree.  I smiled back and walked off the stage with the diploma that represented a theological education from the largest protestant seminary in the world at that time.  Who’da thunk it?

Academics were never a priority for me in my youth.  I finished in the bottom third of my class in high school and was dead last in my graduating class in college.  That wild story will be explained on the 46^th anniversary of my college graduation next week.  I was primarily known as a quiet little guy who just wanted to have fun rather than assume the responsibilities and realities of adult life.  I got over being quiet but still hold fiercely to the desire to have as much fun as possible.  However, when I finally figured out and followed God’s plan for my life I learned that being a responsible adult and having fun can both be possible.  In fact, there is nothing more fun than doing what you were placed on this earth to do.  I learned many theological principals In seminary that still guide me today.  However, God taught me a couple of truths that before and outside any classroom attendance.

First, God taught me that if I trusted Him with my life He would take care of my needs.  When I finally realized that God was calling me into the ministry I was guided to Southwestern by reliable friends who knew more about seminaries than me, meaning about all I knew was how to spell the word seminary correctly.  As I investigated I realized that the cost could be an issue.  My parents put me through college, I couldn’t ask them to finance 3-4 years of graduate school.  I also had incurred a few thousand dollars of debt since graduating from college.  I bought a new car and I also had to buy a suitable adult wardrobe for work.  My college attire consisted of Levis and multiple football jerseys.  So I decided to go to seminary after working a while to pay my debts and save some money.  I had a decent job with a company car and decent salary for a recent college graduate.  However, I was wisely advised not to delay and follow God’s leading and trust Him to provide for what He directed in my life.  I swallowed hard, prayed harder, quit my job and headed west to begin the greatest adventure in my life. 

Without going into details, after a year of paying school and living expenses I was also debt free.  No, I did not pledge to a Televangelist and receive a large check in the mail.  I got a job working the graveyard shift at a cabinet plant for minimum wage ($6 an hour then, which was a lesson in spiritual humility for a college grad).  It was low wages but allowed me to work at night, go to class in the mornings, study in the afternoon and grab a nap before going to back to work at night.  I was younger and more energetic in those days.  After my first year when I received my W-2 form God showed me that if I followed Him I could also trust Him to provide what I needed, even when I couldn’t figure out how.  My earned wages amounted to about the same amount of the debt that I had retired that same year.  However, in addition to being able to retire my debt, I had also paid for tuition, books, apartment rent, food and all other living expenses.  I studied accounting in college and the math does not work but somehow God made it happen.  From that time own I realized I could trust Him to provide for my needs if I followed His direction for my life.  For the rest of my career I never asked or worried about salary.  The only issue was deciding whether or not this was where God was leading.  I was never able to afford the yacht or the villa in France for a summer home but He has done OK in providing for me and my family over these years.  Whenever I would begin to worry about finances I would think back to that first year of seminary and be reminded that He would provide if I followed and trusted Him. 

When I began seminary I realized that although I had grown up in church my knowledge of the Bible was still somewhat limited.  A respected pastor once said, “The problem with most church members is that the bump of Bible knowledge on their heads is actually a dent”.  I had heard a lot of sermons and studied Sunday School lessons but had never read the entire Bible.  I was going to be teaching and preaching the Bible so I needed to read it.  I set up a schedule to read it in a few weeks.  It took more than an hour each day, in addition to my classroom study requirements, but I discovered several things that I had never heard in church as well as some things I had heard that were taught incorrectly.  I learned never to trust anything without checking it out for yourself!  That was an important lesson but it’s not the second truth I want to share that I learned outside the classroom, so that one is free! 

In my adventure of Bible reading I learned that God could guide my life far better than I can (DUH!)…again if I trusted my life and works to Him.  While reading Bible for the first time in its entirety several new verses and truths were revealed, however one seemed to express exactly what I needed at that time.  It is funny how clearly God can speak through His written word.  When I read Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established” it seemed that God was telling me personally; “I have an established plan for you that will be revealed as you commit your works to me!’

We never really know what the future holds but I learned that can trust God to provide and guide every step of the way as we commit our life.  As I move closer to the end of my 7^th decade of life I am still amazed at what He has done in, with and through the life of this quiet kid who just wanted to have fun.  So, I learned a lot gaining my Masters of Divinity degree but I also learned that no matter what our stage or vocation in life may be, God will provide and guide as we commit our trust completely in Him!

Finding & Keeping Hope

I had just finished meeting with my staff when my secretary told me there was a man in the waiting area outside my office “needing to talk to a minister”.  Over the years I learned that “needing to talk to a minister” could mean any one of numerous things; someone seeking counsel on spiritual, relationship or financial matters.  In my experience, most of the time strangers came to the church ask for money.  However this situation would prove to be different. 

I introduced myself and invited the gentleman into my office.  He did not respond by giving his name.  That wasn’t unusual.  People seeking counsel from a minister other than their own usually want to remain anonymous.  I asked how I could help and he responded with this question, “If a person commits a terrible sin just before dying will they still go to Heaven?".  This immediately got my attention as it was August 12; the morning after the comedian, Robin Williams, had committed suicide.  I knew the real question was; “If I kill myself will I go to Hell?”  This man was contemplating suicide. 

I have studied, taught and shared this misunderstood query over the years.  People have asked if their loved one, who took their own life, also lost their way to Heaven with the act of suicide.  The correct theological answer is NO!  The last act a person commits, no matter how sinful, does not determine one’s eternal destiny.  That is determined by a person’s faith relationship with Jesus.  But this was not the time to discuss theological technicalities.  I needed to keep this man from harming himself. 

When a person indicates that they are contemplating suicide every counselor obviously seeks gently to guide the person away from such action.  I told him I would answer his question but first I asked him to tell me a little about what was going on in his life.  This man was not really seeking a lesson in theology.   He needed someone to give him hope.  I listened and then we began looking at reasons to have hope and move past the discouragement and despair of the moment.  He never told me his name but thanked me for helping him and we prayed before he departed.  I prayed again after he left.  I tried my best to give him the help he needed to keep from harming himself but since he wanted to remain anonymous and I knew I had no way to check up on him.  So, I prayed him into God’s care and had to leave it there. 

I always enjoyed walking around the sanctuary before the worship service started, speaking to members and greeting visitors.  Several months after the encounter described above I noticed a lady sitting on the end of the pew next to the isle.  I had never seen her before and began to approach and welcome her when I noticed the gentleman sitting next to her.  I knew I still needed to honor his desire for anonymity so I greeted him and his wife as if I had never met either of them before.  As I welcomed them to our church she reached out her hand and as I extended mine (mother taught me that a gentleman always waits for a lady to extend her hand first) she held my hand gently and looked at me with a knowing smile of gratitude and said, “Thank you so much for everything!”  Without any other words the three of us silently rejoiced in hope that had been found and restored.

 

We are living in some stressful and uncertain times.  I often tell people that life on this planet is always uncertain and the only thing that is really certain is the reality of uncertainty.  We just don’t realize it unless there is a sudden reminder, such as the current pandemic or an unexpected phone call with bad news or a medical exam that did not give a positive response.  In those times we are smacked in the face with the reality that the future is uncertain.  Rather than becoming discouraged or hopeless we must seek to do as my anonymous friend and I did in my office that Tuesday morning several years ago.  Instead of looking into a black hole of gloom and hopelessness we must always seek reasons for life and hope.  

I am re-reading ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’, Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl's memoir and descriptions of life in Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival.  Frankl speaks of the importance of finding a reason to live no matter how difficult and discouraging life can become, and I don’t think too many of us can even truly imagine the horrors of being a prisoner in a Nazi death camp.  Friedrich Nietzsche, long before those horrors, spoke of the importance of overcoming negative and discouraging situations by having a reason to live; “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”

Again, I know we are living with much uncertainty today.  However, there is not better ‘why to live for’ than Easter gives us.  There is no better hope than that given by the bodily resurrection of Jesus.  That power to restore life to a cold dead body is still available to restore hope and give a reason to live abundantly no matter what the circumstance may be.  This is why the Apostle Paul wrote the following while unjustly imprisoned; “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”  (Philippians 4:11-13)

I have to admit that I was never as inspired or as eloquent as the Apostle but I have been fond of telling people that; “We need to remember that we are the people of the resurrection!  We are the people of the empty tomb.  I recently checked and all the founders of major religions such as Mohammed, Siddhārtha Gautama (better known as Buddha), Confucius, Joseph Smith, etc. are all still dead.  Only one has an empty tomb.  Jesus is the only one in history who actually borrowed a tomb.  He only needed it for the weekend.  When we look to Jesus and place faith in Him there is eternal hope and reason to live abundantly.  The worst that can happen for a believer is that we die and go to Heaven forever!”  

Now I can live with that!